Close Enough

Ch 46 Attacked by Dreams

“What do you mean, Severus? What happened?” Draco asked, frantically. “You can not honestly be telling me that a dream did this to him!” The enraged Vampire roared. It had been quick thinking on Draco’s part to firecall his godfather mere moments after Harry had blacked out; waiting just long enough to check for a pulse before tearing from the room. Having a room this close to Severus’ chambers was never such a blessing as it was in that moment; it took mere moments for the potions master to appear in the doorway of Harry and Draco’s room.
“That is exactly what I am telling you, Draco.” Severus said, looking down at the unconscious figure on the bed in front of him. “He is a very strong young man Draco, has handled quite a bit in his short time, however mentally…. emotionally…” a pause, “He has never been equipped to handle that type of strain well.”
“I don’t understand. What could he possibly have dreamt about to cause this type of a reaction??” Draco asked softly, sitting gently next to Harry, running his fingers through his mate’s lengthy raven hair. “How long until he will wake?”
“Last time it was nearly an hour.” Severus stated dryly.
“Last time?” Draco asked, shooting his godfather a look, “This has happened before?? When? Why?”
“Before his birthday, this past summer. An incident with his remaining family caused him to have a mental panic attack,” gesturing toward Harry with one of his elegant hands, “This being the result.”
“So you are telling me… that he was so upset by something that his own dreams attacked him?”
“Something to that effect, yes.” The potions master said, continuing gently, “Have you ever been in a situation, and your mind made it worse than it really was?” Draco first looked confused, however quickly recovered and nodded slightly, “Imagine being in a dream world, where what you fear is magnified to the hundredth power.” Severus paused for a long moment before continuing, “I believe after what transpired a few days ago between the two of you, and his not having taken his potion since, as well as the subsequent lack of contact with people due to his voluntary isolation… I have a notion that he was feeling alone.”
“What do you mean he was feeling alone?!” Draco said, quite loudly, looking between Harry and his godfather, “I was right here while he slept! I was right here when he woke up!! He got away from me as quickly as he could! Does that sound like what someone who felt alone would do?!”
“Draco, control yourself.” The elder Vampire advised softly, “it is important that you understand something… You and Harry need to talk about these things. Everything in fact. You need to discuss all of the things that you do not understand! Otherwise your bond will not be the strongest that it could be.”
“But...” Draco began, however he was interrupted quickly.
“I cannot help you with this. As much as I wish for the past days to have not transpired, they have. As much as I wish that I could disclose all of Harry’s secrets to you, and make this easy on you both… I can not. This is one thing that you and your mate need to do on your own. It is part of the bonding… things will always happen, and you need to be able to discuss them with each other, instead of running to where it is easy.”
Draco nodded solemnly, his eyes cast down upon his mate, “He will wake?” he asked softly.
“Yes, I must go, I have things that need tending to.” After a quick pat on Draco’s shoulder and one last glance at Harry, Severus exited the dorm room in a swirl of black; leaving an anxious and distraught Draco in his wake.

His eyes slowly fluttering open, Harry became aware that he was back in his bed, with Draco watching him intently from his own bed a few feet away. At first his mate didn’t move, Draco just stared at him for a long moment. Ever so slowly Draco slid off of his bed and knelt next to Harry’s, looking worriedly down at his mate.
“How are you feeling?” Draco asked, as he checked the bond for signs of distress. The bond read clear enough, slightly hazy in Draco’s opinion; probably due to Harry’s half awake state. Harry looked up at him in mild confusion.
“I’m fine.” He said softly, instinctively reaching a hand toward Draco; who took it in his and squeezed it gently.
“Do you need anything?” Draco asked. Harry shook his head. “Are you sure? I could call Dobby, and get you some tea if you like.” Draco said hopefully. He felt selfish about the offer; yes the tea helped relax Harry, but it also made Harry’s blood taste like heaven, and Draco was becoming desperate to feed. Having been so close to bonding, Draco’s inheritance was nearly complete; his Vampire instincts were calling to him loudly, begging for blood. He knew it was wrong, he and Harry had just had a big fight, they had issues to work out. But he needed it, he hoped that Harry would understand; and from the look on his face when Draco offered to send for tea, Harry at least knew what Draco wanted.